The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-02-04

The following statement was read
at the Congregational church, las
Sunday morning, by the pastor, Rev.
Geo. II. Wilson:
/ believe, that such is the relation
Of a minister OF the gospel to the
moral questions of the day that any
man called thereto must be in hearty
symT athy with every method com
mending itself to his moral sense
looking to the lessering and suppress
sion of the evil effects wrought by
Intoxicating liquors.
/ believe, that such are his relations
to the State that he should aim at
using his personal right in the fran
chise belonging to the citizen, and
his influence with others in the same
direction to the end that, by any
non partisan methods more effective
laws for the defence ofsociety against
the evils wrought by the saloon may
be enacted and enforced.
l believe, with growing conviction,
that such IS the nature and such the
effects Of the saloon upon the we'll
being of society, and upon those en-.
gagged in the traffic in strong drink,
that the utter and entire prohibition
by law Of the traffic would be a bene,
fit TO all, dealers included.
i believe, that tine question "How
secure the prohibition of the traffic
by law?" can best be answered in a
purely TO- partisan manner; and that
the question "Why should we strive
by law to prohibit il?" is at once a
moral and an economic question.
l believe, that the moral phase Of
the question has but one side, pRoHI
BITIoN, while the economic phase
furnishes ground for differences
among people equally interested in
temperance reform.
In virtue of the above articles of
belief, l have s~triven during four
years residence in the State to aid in
having the question presented direct
ly to the people free from all party
entanglements that it might be treat
ed on its merits. This course has
been pursued in a manner which some
have questioned the wisdom of-as
was their right-and On the part of
some may have created feelings which
nothing but the sense of right would
have given me the moral courage to
incur.
l do profoundly rejoice this morn.
ing, that the day has been set when,
regardless of all political party ties,
the voters of the State may express
their convictions on the question of
prohibiting the manufacture and sale
of strong drink in the State.
In view of the foregoing belief
and facts, | do purpose and publicly
declare, that "with malice toward
none" "with charity toward ALL" l
shall use every proper occasion,
opportunity and means, to convince
the people that it is right and wise to
make the traffic an outlaw; that it is
manly, and true TO highest principles
to lay aside any feelings born OF
partisan ambitions or disappointment
in .dealing with the question. And
so far as may be consistent with the
thought that my time and ability
belong to this church and society, /
shall aim at securing at the polls the
passage of the resolution recently
submitted to the people.
And should any of you, my people,
or any others, differ with me in judg-
ment as to the wisdom Of such an
attitude, | do promise that it shall
not lessen my affection for you and
hope it may moi yours Tor me.
In conclusion, [ pray God for you,
and ask you to pray God for me, that
neither may be careless Of the opin.
ions Of the other, but each may be
very thoughtful, very honest in form.
ing and maintaining our convictions,
so thar both you and l may have g,1t
enough to stand for truth as we see
it, and grace enough to let the other
differ If he mnst